Harrington Gardens

Victorian mansion block outside; warm, contemporary retreat within. This two-bedroom duplex apartment for rent pairs soothing interiors with access to one of South Kensington's coveted garden squares.

From the street, Harrington Gardens is every inch the classic mansion block: red brick, a stucco porch and cast-iron railings. The apartment inside, however, reveals something altogether more unexpected.

Set across the fourth and fifth floors, the duplex unfolds as a series of warm, considered spaces. Solid oak cladding, terracotta tones and tactile natural materials soften the architecture, lending a quietly contemporary sensibility throughout.

The entrance opens into a calm, light-filled living space framed by treetop views. Sunlight arrives from both the south-east and south-west, shifting throughout the day across oak panelling, curved forms and custom-made finishes. The open-plan layout is subtly zoned by furniture, with a bespoke circular dining table forming the natural centre of the space.

To one side, a built-in sofa sits against a backdrop of timber cladding and artwork, lit by sculptural Tom Raffield lighting. To the other, floor-to-ceiling black cabinetry anchors the kitchen while providing generous storage.

Practicality and playfulness meet with ease. A terrazzo worktop by Diespeker & Co adds colour and texture, while integrated appliances, a Neff oven and induction hob ensure the kitchen works as seamlessly as it looks.

Three steps lead up to a mezzanine study, washed with natural light and opening directly onto a roof terrace. Terracotta flooring continues from inside to out, enhancing the connection between the two spaces. Screened for privacy and arranged with outdoor seating, it offers a vantage point above the rooftops.

The bedrooms are positioned across separate levels for privacy. On the lower floor, a peaceful guest bedroom is served by a mosaic-tiled bathroom. Above, the principal suite is set beneath a vaulted ceiling punctuated by rooflights on two sides. Soft light filters in throughout the day, while extensive built-in wardrobes bring practicality. Finished in muted Farrow & Ball tones, the palette feels deliberately restful. The en suite bathroom is bright and generous, centred around a large walk-in shower by Signorini, with white subway tiles and a skylight overhead.

Residents also enjoy access to Wetherby Gardens – a sought-after privilege in this part of London.